Bourbon Street, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the many other attractions of the French Quarter beckon just beyond the walls of the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. But you need not leave the Ritz’s century-old, 14-story structure on Canal Street to experience the soul of the city: its people. Several nights each week, Marva Wright, also known as the Blues Queen of New Orleans, sings in the hotel’s On Trois lounge; trumpeter Jeremy Davenport performs jazz standards at the Mélange restaurant; and mixologist Chris McMillian concocts classic cocktails and delivers spirited stories in the Library Lounge. Accommodations Among the 527 rooms are 36 suites, the largest of which is a 2,800-square-foot space on the top floor. The fourth through ninth stories are home to the Maison Orleans, or Club Level (74 rooms and one suite), where guests enjoy personal concierge service. Facilities The newly renovated spa comprises 22 treatment rooms, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a café. The Mercier Terrace and the Grand and Lafayette ballrooms can be reserved for events; the second-floor boardroom and various salons for can be reserved for meetings. Dining Executive chef Peter Moore prepares regional favorites at Mélange, where live jazz contributes to a supper-club atmosphere. (Call ahead to reserve the chef’s table in the kitchen or a private Dining room that seats 12.) The French Quarter Bar and the Library Lounge stir up classic cocktails, while On Trois is an ideal spot for Saturday afternoon tea. Concierge Recommends A helicopter trip to the Gulf of Mexico, where you spend the day deep-sea fishing on a chartered craft. Chef Moore will cook your catch for dinner. Rates From $400 to $4,000.
